TACHS Quiz: Identifying Supporting Details
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Identifying Supporting DetailsQuestion 1 of 20

Last winter, the city's fleet of electric buses completed every scheduled route despite record-low temperatures. Battery heaters installed the previous summer kept the vehicles running efficiently. Maintenance crews reported a 40 percent decrease in cold-weather breakdowns compared with diesel buses the year before.

Which sentence best supports the idea that the electric buses handled extreme cold more reliably than the old diesel buses?

Last winter, the city's fleet of electric buses completed every scheduled route despite record-low temperatures.
Battery heaters installed the previous summer kept the vehicles running efficiently in the cold.
Maintenance crews reported a 40 percent decrease in cold-weather breakdowns compared with diesel buses the year before.
City officials plan to expand the electric fleet based on this successful trial run.
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TACHS Quiz

TACHS Quiz: Identifying Supporting Details

Practice Identifying Supporting Details in TACHS with focused quiz questions that help you check what you know, review explanations, and build confidence with test-style prompts.

What this quiz covers

This quiz focuses on Identifying Supporting Details, giving you a quick way to practice the rules, question types, and explanations that matter most for TACHS.

How to use this quiz

Try each quiz question before looking at the correct answer. Use the explanations to review missed ideas, then come back to similar questions until the pattern feels familiar.

All questions

Question 1

Last winter, the city's fleet of electric buses completed every scheduled route despite record-low temperatures. Battery heaters installed the previous summer kept the vehicles running efficiently. Maintenance crews reported a 40 percent decrease in cold-weather breakdowns compared with diesel buses the year before.

Which sentence best supports the idea that the electric buses handled extreme cold more reliably than the old diesel buses?

  1. Last winter, the city's fleet of electric buses completed every scheduled route despite record-low temperatures.
  2. Battery heaters installed the previous summer kept the vehicles running efficiently in the cold.
  3. Maintenance crews reported a 40 percent decrease in cold-weather breakdowns compared with diesel buses the year before. (correct answer)
  4. City officials plan to expand the electric fleet based on this successful trial run.
Explanation: When you encounter a question asking for evidence that supports a comparison between two things, look for the answer choice that directly contrasts the performance of both items being compared. The question asks which sentence best supports that electric buses were more reliable than diesel buses in extreme cold. To prove this claim, you need evidence that directly compares the performance of both types of buses under similar conditions. Answer choice C provides exactly this type of comparative evidence. The "40 percent decrease in cold-weather breakdowns compared with diesel buses the year before" gives you concrete data showing the electric buses had fewer problems than the diesel buses specifically during cold weather. This numerical comparison directly supports the reliability claim. Answer choice A mentions that electric buses completed all routes despite cold temperatures, but this only tells you about the electric buses' performance—it doesn't compare them to the diesel buses at all. Answer choice B explains how the electric buses stayed efficient (through battery heaters), but again provides no comparison to diesel performance. Answer choice D isn't even in the original passage and focuses on future plans rather than past performance data. The trap here is choosing evidence that sounds positive about electric buses without checking whether it actually compares the two bus types. Remember, when a question asks you to support a comparative claim (X is better than Y), only evidence that directly contrasts X and Y will work—positive information about just one side isn't enough.

Question 2

City officials hoped the new library would draw teenagers away from shopping malls. Within its first month, the building recorded over two thousand teen visits, far exceeding projections. The library's game room, fitted with comfortable couches and the latest consoles, became the most popular area.

Which detail from the passage best supports the main idea that the new library successfully attracted teenagers?

  1. The library's game room was fitted with the latest consoles for visitors.
  2. City officials hoped to draw teenagers away from shopping malls.
  3. The building recorded over two thousand teen visits in the first month. (correct answer)
  4. Comfortable couches were placed throughout the game room and lounge.
Explanation: When you see a question asking which detail "best supports the main idea," you need to identify evidence that directly proves the central claim. Here, the main idea is that the library successfully attracted teenagers. The correct answer is C because "over two thousand teen visits in the first month" provides concrete, measurable evidence of success. This specific data point proves teenagers were actually drawn to the library, and the phrase "far exceeding projections" emphasizes how successful this attraction was. Numbers don't lie—two thousand visits is solid proof of the library's appeal to its target demographic. Let's examine why the other choices fall short. Choice A describes a feature of the game room (latest consoles) but doesn't prove teenagers actually came to use them. Choice B states the city's original hope or goal, but hopes aren't evidence of success—they're just intentions. Choice D mentions comfortable couches, which is another feature description that doesn't demonstrate actual teen attendance or success. Notice the difference between describing what the library offers versus proving people actually used it. Features and goals are just setup; actual visitor numbers are results. For reading comprehension questions about supporting evidence, always look for concrete data, statistics, or observable outcomes rather than descriptions of intentions or features. The strongest support for "success" claims will be measurable results that can be verified, not just appealing amenities or stated goals.

Question 3

A recent report predicts that renewable energy will supply half the world's electricity within twenty years. The study credits substantial investments in solar farms across deserts and wind turbines along coastlines. It also notes that improved battery storage now allows surplus power to be saved for nighttime use.

Which statement from the passage best supports the main idea that renewable energy is becoming more practical?

  1. A recent report predicts that renewable energy will supply half the world's electricity within twenty years.
  2. The study credits substantial investments in solar farms across deserts and wind turbines along coastlines.
  3. Improved battery storage now allows surplus power to be saved for nighttime use. (correct answer)
  4. Solar farms are being built across deserts while wind turbines line coastlines.
Explanation: When you encounter questions asking which statement "best supports the main idea," you need to identify evidence that directly proves or demonstrates the central claim, rather than just restating it. The main idea here is that renewable energy is becoming more practical - meaning it's becoming more feasible and usable in real-world conditions. Choice C provides the strongest evidence for this practicality because it describes a specific technological breakthrough that solves a major limitation of renewable energy. The ability to store surplus power for nighttime use directly addresses one of renewable energy's biggest practical challenges: intermittency. Solar panels don't work at night, and wind doesn't always blow, so improved battery storage makes these energy sources much more reliable and practical for everyday use. Choice A simply restates the prediction without explaining why renewables are becoming practical. Choice B mentions investments and locations but doesn't explain how these developments make renewable energy more practical or functional. Choice D describes where renewable infrastructure is being built but again fails to explain what makes this energy more practical than before. The key difference is that C identifies a specific technological solution to a real problem, while the other choices describe scale, investment, or location without addressing functionality. Remember: when questions ask what "supports" a main idea, look for concrete evidence or reasons that prove the claim, not just restatements of the claim itself. Supporting evidence answers "why" or "how" the main idea is true.

Question 4

Main idea: Early-morning exercise boosts concentration throughout the school day.
Which detail is LEAST helpful in supporting this idea?

  1. Students who jogged before class scored 15 percent higher on memory quizzes given at 9 a.m.
  2. A biology teacher observed that her first-period class asked sharper questions on days after sunrise yoga.
  3. Researchers found that caffeine consumption spikes among teenagers who stay up late studying. (correct answer)
  4. An elementary school that added a 7:30 a.m. dance club reported fewer discipline referrals before lunch.
Explanation: When you encounter a question asking which detail is "LEAST helpful" in supporting a main idea, you need to identify which piece of evidence doesn't actually connect to or strengthen the central claim. Here, the main idea is that early-morning exercise specifically boosts concentration throughout the school day. Choice C is correct because it discusses caffeine consumption among late-studying teenagers, which has no connection to morning exercise or its effects on concentration. This detail about caffeine and late-night studying habits is completely unrelated to the benefits of exercising early in the day. Let's examine why the other choices DO support the main idea: Choice A directly supports it by showing that students who jogged before class performed better on memory quizzes, demonstrating improved concentration from morning exercise. Choice B provides observational evidence that sunrise yoga led to sharper questioning in first period, again showing enhanced mental focus from early exercise. Choice D offers institutional evidence that a morning dance program reduced discipline problems before lunch, suggesting better behavioral control and concentration throughout the morning. Each of these wrong answers (A, B, and D) establishes a clear cause-and-effect relationship between morning physical activity and improved cognitive performance during school hours. Choice C breaks this pattern entirely by discussing an unrelated topic. When tackling "least helpful" or "least relevant" questions on reading passages, always ask yourself: "Does this detail actually connect to the main point?" Look for the outlier that discusses a different topic or fails to establish the logical relationship the question is testing.

Question 5

When the local theater staged a bilingual play, ticket demand surprised even the producers. The lobby buzzed with conversations in two languages, and families stayed long after the curtain fell to meet the actors. A follow-up survey revealed that many attendees had never visited the theater before this production.

Which detail most strongly supports the idea that the bilingual production reached a new audience?

  1. Ticket demand surprised even the producers of the show.
  2. The lobby buzzed with conversations in two languages.
  3. Families stayed long after the curtain fell to meet actors.
  4. A follow-up survey revealed that many attendees had never visited the theater before this production. (correct answer)
Explanation: When you encounter a question asking which detail "most strongly supports" an idea, you're looking for the most direct evidence that proves the claim. Here, you need to identify which detail best demonstrates that the bilingual production reached a new audience. The correct answer is D because a survey directly measuring whether attendees had visited the theater before provides concrete evidence about reaching new audiences. If "many attendees had never visited the theater before," this explicitly confirms that the production attracted people who weren't previously theatergoers—the very definition of reaching a new audience. Let's examine why the other options don't provide as strong support. Choice A mentions surprising ticket demand, but high demand could come from regular theatergoers excited about something different—it doesn't necessarily indicate new audience members. Choice B describes bilingual conversations in the lobby, which shows the production attracted a diverse crowd but doesn't prove these people were new to the theater. Choice C notes that families lingered to meet actors, suggesting engagement and enjoyment, but again doesn't indicate whether these were first-time visitors or returning patrons having a particularly good experience. When answering "supports the idea" questions on reading tests, look for evidence that directly addresses the specific claim being made. Avoid answers that are merely related to the topic or show positive outcomes. The strongest support will explicitly connect to the key concept—in this case, definitively showing that the audience included people who hadn't attended before.

Question 6

Over the past decade, several islands have banned single-use plastic bags. Marine biologists monitoring nearby coral reefs reported a 60 percent drop in plastic debris. Additionally, fewer sea turtles were found with plastic in their stomachs during rescue operations.

Which statement from the passage provides the strongest supporting detail for the claim that the bag bans benefit marine life?

  1. Over the past decade, several islands have banned single-use plastic bags entirely.
  2. Marine biologists monitoring nearby coral reefs reported a 60 percent drop in plastic debris.
  3. Fewer sea turtles were found with plastic in their stomachs during rescue operations. (correct answer)
  4. Marine biologists have been monitoring coral reefs over the past decade.
Explanation: When you encounter questions asking for the "strongest supporting detail," you need to identify which piece of evidence most directly proves the main claim. Here, the claim is that bag bans benefit marine life. The correct answer is C because it provides direct evidence of improved health outcomes for marine animals. Finding fewer sea turtles with plastic in their stomachs during rescue operations shows a clear, measurable improvement in the well-being of marine life. This is concrete proof that the animals themselves are healthier as a result of the bag bans. Let's examine why the other choices fall short: Choice A simply states that bans occurred but provides no evidence of their impact on marine life. It's the action, not the result. Choice B shows reduced plastic debris on reefs, which is environmental improvement but doesn't directly prove marine animals are healthier—debris reduction is one step removed from actual animal welfare. Choice D mentions that monitoring occurred but provides no supporting evidence about outcomes at all. The key distinction is between indirect and direct evidence. While reduced debris (B) suggests potential benefits, fewer animals with plastic in their stomachs (C) demonstrates actual benefits to the creatures themselves. Remember: when questions ask for the "strongest" supporting detail, look for evidence that most directly connects to the main claim. Prioritize concrete outcomes over general conditions, and direct effects over indirect ones. The strongest support typically involves measurable changes in the specific subject being discussed.

Question 7

The town council debated whether to install speed bumps on Birch Avenue. Accident reports showed five collisions involving pedestrians there last year, the highest number on any street in town. Nearby residents signed a petition urging immediate action.

Which detail most directly supports the idea that Birch Avenue poses a safety risk?

  1. The town council debated whether to install speed bumps on Birch Avenue.
  2. Accident reports showed five collisions involving pedestrians there last year, the highest in town. (correct answer)
  3. Nearby residents signed a petition urging immediate action from officials.
  4. Some drivers use Birch Avenue as a shortcut to the downtown shopping district.
Explanation: When you encounter questions asking which detail "most directly supports" an idea, you're looking for concrete evidence rather than general context or reactions to a problem. The question asks what most directly supports that Birch Avenue poses a safety risk. Answer choice B provides the strongest evidence: "Accident reports showed five collisions involving pedestrians there last year, the highest in town." This is direct, measurable proof of danger. The specific number of accidents and the comparison to other streets creates clear evidence that this location is particularly hazardous. Choice A is incorrect because it only tells you the council is considering action, not why that action might be needed. The debate itself doesn't prove there's actually a safety problem. Choice C shows that residents are concerned, but their petition represents their perception of risk rather than factual evidence of danger. People can be worried about safety without there being documented problems. Choice D isn't even mentioned in the passage, making it irrelevant to supporting the safety risk claim. Notice how B stands out because it provides objective data (five collisions, highest in town) rather than subjective responses or procedural information. The phrase "most directly supports" signals you need the most concrete, factual evidence available. When you see "most directly supports" questions on the TACHS reading exam, look for specific facts, numbers, or documented evidence rather than opinions, reactions, or general statements. The strongest support comes from measurable data that directly relates to the claim being made.

Question 8

After the historic painting was restored, visitors crowded the gallery's east wing. Museum staff noted that weekday attendance doubled, and weekend ticket lines stretched outside the entrance. Gift-shop sales of postcards featuring the painting tripled during the first month of display.

Which detail best supports the idea that the restored painting increased museum revenue?

  1. Visitors crowded the gallery's east wing to view the restored painting.
  2. Museum staff noted that weekday attendance doubled after the painting's unveiling.
  3. Gift-shop sales of postcards featuring the painting tripled during the first month. (correct answer)
  4. Weekend ticket lines stretched outside the entrance, surprising security guards.
Explanation: When you see a question asking which detail "best supports" a specific idea, you need to find the most direct evidence for that exact concept. Here, you're looking for evidence that the restored painting specifically increased museum revenue—meaning money coming in. Choice C is correct because it provides the clearest connection to increased revenue. When gift-shop sales of postcards featuring the painting "tripled," this directly shows more money being generated. Sales figures are concrete financial evidence of increased revenue tied specifically to the restored painting. Let's examine why the other choices don't work as well. Choice A mentions visitors crowding the gallery, which suggests popularity but doesn't directly indicate increased revenue—people could be looking without paying extra admission fees. Choice B states that weekday attendance doubled, which implies more ticket sales but doesn't explicitly connect to revenue (some museums have free or discounted admission). Choice D describes long weekend ticket lines, which suggests demand but again doesn't directly prove increased revenue—lines could indicate slower processing rather than more sales. The key distinction is that gift-shop sales in choice C represent a measurable increase in actual purchases, making it the most direct evidence of increased revenue. The other choices show increased interest or attendance but require you to make assumptions about how that translates to money. On reading comprehension questions, look for the answer choice that most directly supports the specific claim being made. Avoid choices that seem related but require additional logical steps to connect to the main idea.

Question 9

The volunteer coordinator noticed that students who logged more than 50 service hours also had higher attendance rates in class. Teachers observed these same students participating more actively in group projects. A counselor suggested that community work might build discipline and responsibility.

Which detail most clearly supports the notion that volunteerism is linked to improved school engagement?

  1. The volunteer coordinator found it difficult to track all student service hours accurately.
  2. Teachers observed these same students participating more actively in group projects.
  3. A counselor suggested that community work might build discipline and responsibility.
  4. Students who logged more than 50 service hours also had higher attendance rates in class. (correct answer)
Explanation: When you encounter questions asking which detail "supports" a claim, you're looking for concrete evidence that directly demonstrates the connection being made. Here, you need to find which detail shows a clear link between volunteerism and improved school engagement. The correct answer is D because higher attendance rates represent a direct, measurable indicator of school engagement. When students who volunteer more than 50 hours also show up to class more frequently, this creates a clear correlation between community service and active participation in school. Attendance is a fundamental aspect of engagement—you can't be engaged if you're not present. Option A is wrong because tracking difficulties don't provide any evidence about the relationship between volunteering and engagement—this detail is about administrative challenges, not student outcomes. Option B might seem supportive since group participation could indicate engagement, but notice this applies to "these same students"—it's describing the already-engaged volunteers rather than showing that volunteering led to increased engagement. Option C is incorrect because a counselor's suggestion represents a hypothesis or theory, not actual evidence. The word "might" signals speculation rather than proof. For TACHS reading questions about supporting evidence, always distinguish between concrete data and opinions, theories, or administrative details. Look for measurable outcomes that directly relate to the claim being made. Evidence questions reward you for identifying facts that can be observed and quantified, not explanations or speculation about why something might be true.

Question 10

After the school installed water-filling stations, sales of single-use plastic bottles in the cafeteria dropped by 80 percent. Nearly every student carried a reusable bottle sporting the school mascot. Custodians reported that lunchtime trash bags were noticeably lighter.

Which detail best supports the main idea that the filling stations reduced plastic waste?

  1. Custodians reported that lunchtime trash bags were noticeably lighter.
  2. Nearly every student carried a reusable bottle sporting the school mascot.
  3. Sales of single-use plastic bottles in the cafeteria dropped by 80 percent. (correct answer)
  4. Students began carrying reusable bottles featuring the school mascot design.
Explanation: When you encounter questions about supporting evidence for a main idea, you need to identify which detail most directly proves the central claim. The main idea here is that water-filling stations reduced plastic waste, so look for the detail that most clearly demonstrates this reduction. The strongest evidence is found in answer choice C: "Sales of single-use plastic bottles in the cafeteria dropped by 80 percent." This detail provides concrete, quantifiable proof that plastic waste decreased. An 80% drop in sales directly translates to 80% fewer plastic bottles being purchased and eventually thrown away, which perfectly supports the claim about waste reduction. Let's examine why the other options fall short. Answer choice A mentions lighter trash bags, which could suggest less waste, but this is indirect evidence—trash could be lighter for many reasons unrelated to plastic bottles. Answer choice B describes students carrying reusable bottles with the school mascot, which shows behavior change but doesn't directly prove that plastic waste decreased. Answer choice D is nearly identical to B, just restated, and has the same limitation—it shows what students are doing instead, but doesn't quantify the actual reduction in waste. Remember this pattern for reading comprehension questions: when asked for supporting evidence, choose the detail that most directly and specifically proves the main claim. Concrete numbers and direct measurements typically provide stronger support than behavioral observations or indirect indicators. Look for cause-and-effect relationships that clearly connect the evidence to the main idea.

Question 11

The mountain guide checked her clients' gear thoroughly before departure. She knew that one loose buckle could mean disaster on the icy ridge. Later that afternoon, a sudden windstorm tested every strap and knot, but nothing failed.

Which detail best supports the idea that the guide's careful inspection prevented equipment failure?

  1. The mountain guide checked her clients' gear thoroughly before departure.
  2. She knew that one loose buckle could mean disaster on the icy ridge.
  3. A sudden windstorm tested every strap and knot, but nothing failed. (correct answer)
  4. The group reached the summit just before sunset, exhausted but triumphant.
Explanation: This question tests your ability to identify supporting evidence - specifically, which detail proves that an action (the guide's inspection) actually achieved its intended result (preventing equipment failure). To find the best supporting evidence, you need to look for a detail that shows the outcome or consequence of the guide's thorough inspection. Answer choice C provides this proof: "A sudden windstorm tested every strap and knot, but nothing failed." This directly demonstrates that the equipment held up under extreme conditions, which supports the idea that the careful pre-departure inspection prevented failure. Let's examine why the other choices don't work as well. Choice A simply restates the action (checking gear thoroughly) but doesn't prove it prevented anything. Choice B explains the guide's motivation and knowledge about potential dangers, but doesn't show that her inspection actually worked. Choice D mentions reaching the summit successfully, but this doesn't specifically connect to equipment performance or the inspection's effectiveness. The key difference is that C shows cause and effect: the gear was inspected carefully, then faced a real test (windstorm), and the result was success (nothing failed). This creates a clear logical chain proving the inspection's value. When you encounter "supporting evidence" questions on reading passages, look for details that demonstrate results or consequences, not just descriptions of actions or motivations. The strongest evidence shows what happened as a result of the action mentioned in the question.

Question 12

The robotics team re-coded its autonomous car to detect obstacles three meters sooner. During trial runs, the car stopped smoothly before every barrier, whereas previous versions had clipped cones twice. Judges awarded the team bonus safety points in the regional competition.

Which detail best supports the conclusion that the new code made the car safer?

  1. The team re-coded its autonomous car to detect obstacles three meters sooner.
  2. During trial runs, the car stopped smoothly before every barrier, avoiding any collisions. (correct answer)
  3. Previous versions of the car had clipped cones twice during earlier tests.
  4. Judges awarded the team bonus safety points in the regional competition.
Explanation: When you encounter questions asking which detail "best supports" a conclusion, you're being tested on evidence evaluation. You need to identify which piece of information most directly proves the stated claim. The conclusion here is that the new code made the car safer. Option B provides the strongest evidence because it shows the actual safety outcome: the car stopped smoothly before every barrier and avoided all collisions. This is direct proof that the safety improved - zero accidents versus previous accidents demonstrates measurable safety enhancement. Let's examine why the other choices are weaker evidence. Option A tells us about the technical change (detecting obstacles three meters sooner) but doesn't prove this change actually improved safety - it's just the method, not the result. Option C mentions previous problems (clipping cones twice) which establishes a safety baseline but doesn't demonstrate that the new version is actually better. Option D describes the judges' recognition, but their award could be based on the technical innovation itself rather than proven safety improvements. The key distinction is between potential safety improvements and demonstrated safety improvements. While A describes what should make the car safer in theory, and C and D provide context, only B shows concrete evidence that safety actually improved through the elimination of collisions. For TACHS reading questions about supporting evidence, always look for the choice that most directly demonstrates the claim being made, rather than choices that merely suggest it or provide background information.

Question 13

Clara could not understand why her tomato plants were wilting. She watered them every afternoon without fail. Her neighbor suggested watering early in the morning instead, explaining that midday heat causes quick evaporation. After switching schedules, Clara noticed the leaves stayed firm and green.

Which detail from the passage best supports the conclusion that watering at a different time solved Clara's problem?

  1. Clara watered her tomato plants every afternoon without fail.
  2. Her neighbor suggested watering early in the morning because midday heat causes evaporation.
  3. After switching schedules, Clara noticed the leaves stayed firm and green. (correct answer)
  4. Clara could not understand why her tomato plants were wilting before the change.
Explanation: When you encounter a question asking for evidence that supports a conclusion, you need to look for direct proof that shows the outcome actually happened, not just background information or explanations. The conclusion here is that changing watering times solved Clara's problem. To support this conclusion, you need evidence showing the problem was actually resolved. Choice C provides exactly this: "After switching schedules, Clara noticed the leaves stayed firm and green." This directly demonstrates that the solution worked—the wilting stopped and the plants became healthy again. Let's examine why the other choices don't support the conclusion. Choice A tells us about Clara's original watering routine, but this describes the problem period, not the solution. Choice B explains the neighbor's reasoning for the suggestion, which provides the theory behind why the change might work, but doesn't prove it actually did work. Choice D simply restates that there was a problem initially, again providing no evidence that switching schedules solved anything. The key distinction is between explaining why something might work versus proving it did work. Choices A, B, and D all relate to the setup and reasoning, but only C shows the actual positive result after the change was implemented. For reading comprehension questions about supporting evidence, always look for the choice that directly demonstrates the stated outcome rather than just providing background information or theoretical explanations. The strongest support comes from observable results, not preliminary conditions or logical reasoning.

Question 14

The chef introduced a new meatless entrée featuring locally grown mushrooms. Within two weeks, it became the restaurant's top-selling dish on Thursday and Friday nights. Comment cards revealed that even regular steak-orderers enjoyed the earthy flavor and lighter feel.

Which piece of information best supports the claim that the new entrée appealed to customers who normally ate meat?

  1. The dish featured locally grown mushrooms sautéed in garlic and herbs.
  2. Within two weeks, it became the restaurant's top-selling dish on Thursday and Friday nights.
  3. Comment cards revealed that even regular steak-orderers enjoyed the earthy flavor and lighter feel. (correct answer)
  4. The chef plans to create additional vegetarian specials for the spring menu.
Explanation: When you encounter a question asking for evidence that supports a specific claim, you need to find the answer choice that directly proves or demonstrates that claim. Here, the claim is that the new entrée appealed to customers who normally ate meat. Choice C provides the most direct evidence because it explicitly states that "regular steak-orderers enjoyed" the meatless dish. This directly shows that people who typically choose meat dishes (steak-orderers) found the vegetarian entrée appealing. The phrase "even regular steak-orderers" emphasizes that this was surprising or noteworthy, making it strong evidence for the claim. Let's examine why the other choices don't support this specific claim. Choice A describes the ingredients and preparation method, but tells us nothing about who ordered the dish or whether meat-eaters liked it. Choice B shows the dish was popular overall by becoming a top-seller, but doesn't specify whether meat-eaters or vegetarians were driving those sales. Choice D mentions future menu plans, which is completely unrelated to whether the current dish appealed to meat-eating customers. Remember that evidence questions require you to distinguish between general information and specific proof. While choices A and B provide positive information about the dish, only choice C directly addresses the demographic mentioned in the claim. Look for answer choices that contain specific details matching the exact claim being made, rather than just general positive outcomes.

Question 15

Main idea: Installing LED streetlights can cut a city's energy costs.
Which detail does NOT support this idea?

  1. LED bulbs last up to four times longer than traditional sodium lamps, reducing replacement expenses.
  2. Energy audits showed a 35% drop in electricity usage after the LED rollout.
  3. Some residents complained that the new lights made it harder to see stars at night. (correct answer)
  4. Maintenance crews reported fewer service calls for burned-out lights during the first year of use.
Explanation: When you encounter a question asking which detail does NOT support a main idea, you're being tested on your ability to identify relevant versus irrelevant information. The key is to find the one choice that doesn't logically connect to the stated main idea about cutting energy costs. The correct answer is C because residents' complaints about star visibility has nothing to do with a city's energy costs. This detail addresses light pollution and astronomical observation, which are completely separate concerns from financial savings. Let's examine why the other choices DO support the main idea: Choice A directly supports cost reduction by explaining that LED bulbs last four times longer than traditional lamps, which means fewer replacement costs over time. Choice B provides concrete evidence with specific data - a 35% drop in electricity usage translates directly to lower energy bills. Choice D supports the idea through reduced maintenance costs, as fewer service calls for burned-out lights means less money spent on labor and equipment. The trap here is that choice C mentions a real consequence of LED streetlight installation, so it might seem relevant at first glance. However, you must stay focused on the specific main idea given in the question. Strategy tip: When tackling "does NOT support" questions, always return to the exact main idea stated in the question. Ask yourself: "Does this detail help prove that LED streetlights cut energy costs?" If a detail addresses a different aspect entirely - even if it's related to the same topic - it's likely your answer.

Question 16

Main idea: School uniforms can reduce peer pressure about fashion.
Which detail best supports this main idea?

  1. Uniform suppliers often offer discounts when families purchase multiple sets at once.
  2. Uniform fabrics must be durable enough to withstand frequent wash cycles.
  3. Some parents prefer schools that allow casual dress on Fridays.
  4. After uniforms were introduced, surveys found that students spent less time choosing outfits before school. (correct answer)
Explanation: When you encounter main idea and supporting detail questions, you need to find evidence that directly connects to and strengthens the central claim. The main idea here is that school uniforms reduce peer pressure about fashion, so you're looking for a detail that shows this reduction actually happening. Option D provides the strongest support because it demonstrates a behavioral change that directly relates to fashion pressure. When students spend less time choosing outfits, it suggests they're no longer worried about impressing peers or fitting in through clothing choices. This is concrete evidence that the pressure around fashion has decreased after uniforms were implemented. Let's examine why the other choices don't work. Option A discusses bulk purchasing discounts, which relates to cost but has nothing to do with peer pressure reduction. Option B focuses on fabric durability and washing requirements—this is about practical maintenance, not social dynamics. Option C mentions parental preferences for casual dress days, which actually suggests some dissatisfaction with uniform policies rather than supporting their benefits regarding peer pressure. The key difference is that D shows a measurable outcome that logically connects to reduced fashion pressure, while A, B, and C discuss unrelated aspects of uniform policies. For reading comprehension questions about main ideas and supporting details, always ask yourself: "Does this detail provide evidence that the main claim is true?" Look for cause-and-effect relationships or concrete examples that demonstrate the main idea in action, rather than details that are merely related to the same general topic.

Question 17

Main idea: Practicing an instrument daily is more effective than one long weekly session.
Which detail would best undermine, rather than support, this main idea?

  1. A study showed students who practiced 45 minutes every day improved sight-reading speed by 25%.
  2. Participants who practiced only on Saturdays for three straight hours displayed equal progress on advanced scales after eight weeks. (correct answer)
  3. Music teachers often assign short, specific exercises to be repeated throughout the week.
  4. Daily practice helped beginners develop fingertip calluses sooner, reducing discomfort.
Explanation: When you encounter questions about supporting versus undermining evidence, you need to identify which details strengthen the main argument and which ones weaken it. The main idea here claims that daily practice is more effective than weekly sessions, so you're looking for evidence that contradicts this claim. Choice B directly undermines the main idea by showing that participants who practiced only once per week (Saturday sessions) achieved "equal progress" compared to daily practitioners. This evidence suggests that the frequency of practice sessions doesn't matter as much as the main idea claims—if weekly practice produces the same results as daily practice, then daily practice isn't necessarily "more effective." Choice A supports the main idea by providing concrete evidence that daily practice (45 minutes every day) led to measurable improvement in sight-reading. Choice C also supports the argument since teachers assigning exercises "throughout the week" aligns with the daily practice approach. Choice D reinforces the benefits of daily practice by showing how it helps beginners develop necessary physical conditioning faster. The key trap here is that all the wrong answers actually strengthen the main argument, while only one choice provides contradictory evidence. On TACHS reading questions, pay close attention to whether you're asked to find supporting or undermining evidence—they're opposite tasks. Look for words like "undermine," "contradict," or "weaken" versus "support," "strengthen," or "reinforce" to determine what type of evidence the question seeks.

Question 18

Main idea: Recycling electronic devices prevents harmful chemicals from entering landfills.
Which choice would be the least effective supporting detail?

  1. Lead and mercury inside old screens can leach into soil if dumped in landfills.
  2. Special facilities safely extract precious metals from discarded phones and tablets.
  3. Some people erase personal data before donating laptops to schools. (correct answer)
  4. One county collected 18 tons of electronics during its annual e-waste drive, diverting them from the dump.
Explanation: When you encounter questions about supporting details, you need to identify which piece of information best reinforces the main argument. Here, the main idea focuses on how recycling electronics prevents harmful chemicals from contaminating landfills. The correct answer is C because erasing personal data before donating laptops addresses privacy concerns, not environmental protection from harmful chemicals. While this is a responsible practice, it doesn't support the argument about preventing chemical contamination in landfills. Let's examine why the other choices work as strong supporting details: Choice A directly illustrates the main idea by naming specific toxic substances (lead and mercury) that can leak into soil from landfilled electronics. Choice B supports recycling as an alternative to landfilling by explaining how specialized facilities process e-waste safely. Choice D provides concrete evidence of recycling effectiveness, showing that substantial amounts of electronics (18 tons) can be diverted from landfills through organized collection programs. Notice how A, B, and D all connect directly to either the harmful chemicals or the prevention of landfill contamination, while C shifts to an entirely different concern—data security. Strategy tip: When evaluating supporting details, ask yourself whether each choice directly relates to the main idea's key components. Look for details that might be true and relevant to the general topic but don't actually strengthen the specific argument being made. These "related but irrelevant" details are common distractors on reading comprehension questions.

Question 19

Main idea: Participating in debate club enhances students' research skills.
Which of the following would best support this main idea?

  1. Members elect officers to organize practice sessions and manage club funds.
  2. Some debate topics involve current events, history, or philosophical dilemmas.
  3. Debate members must locate credible sources to build persuasive arguments for weekly tournaments. (correct answer)
  4. Competitive debate rounds are timed, with strict rules on speech order and length.
Explanation: When you encounter a question asking which option "best supports" a main idea, you're looking for evidence that directly connects to and reinforces the central claim. Here, the main idea states that debate club specifically enhances research skills, so you need an option that shows students actively developing those skills. Choice C is correct because it directly demonstrates how debate participation requires research abilities. When students "must locate credible sources to build persuasive arguments," they're actively practicing essential research skills: finding reliable information, evaluating source credibility, and gathering evidence to support their positions. This directly supports the claim about enhanced research skills. Let's examine why the other options don't work: Choice A describes organizational activities like electing officers and managing funds, which develops leadership and administrative skills rather than research abilities. Choice B mentions that debate topics cover various subjects, but simply having diverse topics doesn't prove that students are developing research skills—it only shows topic variety. Choice D focuses on the competitive structure and timing rules of debates, which relates to presentation skills and time management rather than research capabilities. Remember that supporting evidence questions require you to find the option that provides the most direct proof of the stated claim. Look for cause-and-effect relationships where the activity described would logically lead to the skill or outcome mentioned in the main idea. Avoid options that describe related but different skills or activities.

Question 20

Main idea: Taking public transportation reduces individuals' carbon footprints.
Which statement best supports this idea?

  1. Some passengers pass the time reading or listening to podcasts on the train.
  2. City buses often run every ten minutes during rush hour to accommodate commuters.
  3. An average bus ride emits 70% less carbon dioxide per passenger than the same trip by single-occupancy car. (correct answer)
  4. Monthly transit passes can be purchased at discounted student rates.
Explanation: When you encounter a question asking which statement "best supports" a main idea, you're being tested on your ability to identify relevant evidence. You need to find the choice that directly connects to and strengthens the given claim about public transportation reducing carbon footprints. The correct answer is C because it provides concrete, quantitative evidence that directly supports the environmental claim. When a bus emits 70% less carbon dioxide per passenger compared to single-occupancy cars, this specific statistic proves that choosing public transit over driving alone significantly reduces an individual's carbon emissions. This data directly validates the main idea about carbon footprint reduction. Let's examine why the other choices don't work: Choice A discusses passenger activities like reading or listening to podcasts, which relates to comfort or convenience but has nothing to do with environmental impact. Choice B mentions the frequency of bus service during rush hour, which addresses reliability and accessibility but doesn't connect to carbon emissions. Choice D focuses on the cost benefits of student transit passes, which is about affordability rather than environmental benefits. When answering "best supports" questions on reading passages, always look for the choice that provides the most direct evidence for the specific claim being made. Eliminate options that discuss related but different topics—even if they're positive aspects of the subject. The strongest support will contain concrete data, examples, or logical reasoning that directly reinforces the main point's central argument.